Calendar

Join us for REGGAE ON THE PATIO every Friday! NO TICKET NEEDED!

Cansaman (Trinity Sound) has been playing reggae music in Portland for the past 20+ years. Cansa has done everything from holding weekly events to opening up for some of the biggest touring acts from Jamaica. You can catch Cansa on www.NiceUpRadio.com every Thursday (5-7pm PST) and Saturday (2-4pm PST). Follow Cansa on Twitch as well for live broadcasts (Twitch.TV/CansaTrinity) every Wednesday and Saturday. Cansa has been a resident DJ and host at the Start Theater for Reggae On The Patio for the past two years. It has been a must go to event for happy hour after a long week at work where people can dance and socialize. Bring your friends and come dance to some sweet reggae music every Friday from 5-9pm for the summer. No cover charge, you must be 21+. We look forward to seeing you. 

5-9pm

No cover!

21+

BANDO [ ONLY FOR DA TRILL]  : A night featuring sounds from all over the DIRTY SOUF. Trap from Atlanta, Memphis, Baton Rouge, The SIPP, Houston, and everywhere between.   Sounds from Young Dolph, Key Glock, Travis Scott 42 Dugg, Larry June, MoneyBagg Yo, Est GEE, Kodak Black, 21 Savage etc.

There’s more..  SOUNDS BY DONTA

OG TRAPPIN: 101 :  Future, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boys, Gucci Mane, Jeezy, T.I, Boosie, Yo Gotti, Project Pat, Thugger, Webbie, Lil Wayne, Big Tymers and more. This is a night for the CULTURE. An authentic Trap Experience

Line UP:  @djbnick  @djxnykon  @kil.4.me   Sounds by Donta

Doors: 8:00pm  //  Event starts: 9:00pm  //  Ages 21+ w/Valid ID  

This show has moved to Dante's and will take place on July 2, 2022.
 

CHURCH OF HIVE TO FOLLOW

Reed's Rock-n-Shop Revival Presents: 
ROCK-N-SHOP AT STAR THEATER
plus Chris Newman Birthday & Bench Unveiling

12 bands 12+ local vendors 
Come rock out and shop up, all day and night at Start Theater & Star Theater Patio!

Monica Nelson & the Jack London Trio (from The Obituaries) 
The Macks (https://themacks.bandcamp.com/)
King Ghidora (https://kingghidora1.bandcamp.com/)
Club Deluxe (https://clubdeluxepdx.bandcamp.com/releases)
Sean Croghan (from Mistons/Crackerbash)
Paul & Rita (70s hit covers)
The Washers (https://thewarshers.bandcamp.com/)
Lucky Thirteens (https://lucky13s.bandcamp.com/releases)
Steve Wilkinson & Paul Brainard (from Wilkinson Blades) (https://wilkinsonblades.bandcamp.com/) (https://stevewilkinsonmusic.com/)
Dave Dillinger & Roxcee Monoxide (from Napalm Beach/The Viles)
MayRay (Jen Folker from Dahlia)
Flying Caravan (https://flying-caravan.bandcamp.com/)

Doors: 7:00pm  //  Show: 7:30pm  //  Ages 21+.

As the project of Brian Flores, the band has been haunting fans with a blend of emotionally wrought post-punk since 2019 and their latest offering is no different. “Club de Vampiros” exudes a melancholy from its undulating synth pads and guitar line as a bouncy bassline carries the song to its end.French Police’s single captures the seduction of dancing in romantic, cavernous spaces filled with fog and a promise of eternity.

Star Theater Presents:  ConCocktail - A Bartender Competition.
Doors: 7:00pm  //  Event: 8:00pm  //  Ages 21+
TIckets: $10 adv & at the door.

Ages 21+.
$20 for competitors. Please purchase the ticket type for the category in which you are competing! 

$10 for spectators.
$15 for spectators at the door.

Categories for competitors are:
-- Natural Moustache
-- Styled Moustache
-- Partial Natural
-- Partial Freestyle
-- Business Beard
-- Groomed Beard
-- Full Beard Over 12"
-- Full Beard Under 12"
-- Full Beard with Style Moustache
-- Full Beard Freestyle
-- Creative Build a Beard
-- Realistic Build a Beard
-- Couples. 

The Slackers with Bite me Bambi and Matamoska.
Doors: 7:00pm  //  Show: 8:00pm  //  Ages: 21+.

The Slackers are self styled masters of Reggae, Ska and Rock’n’Roll from New York City.

The Slackers began in 1991 in NYC. After years of local gigs and rehearsing in a dingy basement in Manhattan’s lower east side, the band released its debut album, Better Late Than Never, in 1996. The band’s success resulted in the release of a second album, Red Light, on the Epitaph label in 1997. Since then the Slackers have released 11 more studio albums (The Question, Wasted Days, Slackers & Friends, Close My Eyes, Slackers in Dub, Peculiar, Boss Harmony Sessions, Self Medication, Lost and Found, The Great Rocksteady Swindle, and The Slackers [self-titled, 2016] ) 3 live albums (Live at Ernestos, Upsettin Ernestos, Slack in Japan), several EPs (International War Crimminal, My Bed is a Boat), and numerous singles and compilation tracks.

Since 1997 the Slackers have played over 100 shows every year in a total of 46 american states, 7 Canadian provinces, 22 European countries, 5 Latin American countries, and 2 Asian countries.

The band’s musical style is distinct from their contempories; a mix of early Jamaican music with classic 50’s and 60s American styles. There are influences from 50s and 60s Rock’n’Roll, Rythmn and Blues, Jazz and Latin music. Singer Vic Ruggiero has coined the term ‘Jamaican Rock’nRoll.’ to describe it. He says, “The band might play a classic Jamaican style but the vocals are distinctly American east coast, revealing the obvious connection of Jamaican music to the Doo-Wop of Harlem and the Bronx.”

Doors: 7:00pm  //  Show: 8:00pm  //  Ages 21+.
Dalvon Lamarr Organi Trio with Ofosho

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio—or as it is sometimes referred to, DLO3—specialize in the lost art of “feel good music.” The ingredients of this intoxicating cocktail include a big helping of the 1960s organ jazz stylings of Jimmy Smith and Baby Face Willette; a pinch of the snappy soul strut of Booker T. & The M.G.’s and The Meters; and sprinkles Motown, Stax Records, blues, and cosmic Jimi Hendrix-style guitar. It’s a soul-jazz concoction that goes straight to your heart and head makes your body break out in a sweat. Live, the band’s fiery and intuitive chemistry is unstoppable, brimming with improvisation, instant composition, imaginative takes on classic tunes, and a booty-shaking back catalog of soulful gems.

The band features organist Delvon Lamarr, a self-taught virtuosic musician, with perfect pitch who taught himself jazz and has effortlessly been able to play a multitude of instruments. On guitar is the dynamo Jimmy James who eases through Steve Cropper-style chanking guitar, volcanic acid-rock freak-out lead playing, and slinky Grant Green-style jazz. From Reno, Nevada is drummer Dan Weiss (also of the powerhouse soul and funk collective The Sextones). Dan’s smoldering pocket-groove drumming locks in the trio’s explosive chemistry.

Since its humble beginnings in May, 2015, the trio has issued two Billboard-charting albums and a 45; toured nationally and internationally, and performed on live at Upstream Music Festival broadcast by KEXP that garnered over 7 million views. In the near future, DLO3 will be releasing a bevy of new music come fall and winter 2020. DLO3 is part of the hip Colemine Records family, is booked by the prestigious Kurland Agency, and is managed, owned, and operated by Delvon’s staunchly supportive wife, Amy Novo. Amy has been lovingly nicknamed “Shortcake Mafia” as a tribute to her sweet but shrewd business acumen.

Ofosho: 

Doors: 7:00pm  //  Show: 8:00pm  //  Ages 21+.
Tropidelic with Kash'd Out and Joe Samba + 
POST-SHOW DANCE PARTY FEATURING TRINITY SOUND! 11pm>>> 

Tropidelic
“Every single second is a blessing if you count them all,” sings frontman Matthew Roads. You can hear the sincerity in his voice; the joie de vivre that oozes from everything Tropidelic does is apparent. When they take a stage, their synergy flows member to member ­– horns blow, knees kicked high and grins are passed from one man to the next. Almost immediately, it spreads to the crowd, lifting hands in the air as their feet begin to move. The pulse collectively becomes that of one.

The six-piece band from Cleveland, Ohio may be far from any tropical islands, but that doesn’t stop them from dishing out an interesting mix of reggae, hip-hop, and high energy funk for audiences across the country. Unapologetically original, Tropidelic has a deep and widespread appreciation for music that can be heard in each note. Some of the members are hip-hop heads, while others are into metal, funk or reggae. Each of these genres lends something to their collective sound. “We pride ourselves in being original in our musicality and personality as a band,” says Roads, “but also in not taking ourselves so seriously that it ruins the fun.”

KASH'D OUT:

With a solid reputation as the hardest working band in reggae-rock, Kash’d Out delivers an anthem for everyone committed to the daily grind with their new “Highway Robbery” (out April 29, 2022, on LAW Records). The defiantly energetic collaboration with mainstay American alternative rock band Katastro represents the pentacle of Kash’d Outs’ songwriting and musicianship while maintaining the signature spirit, positive energy, and uncommon entrepreneurial hustle for which the band has always been known.

Kash’d Out are no strangers to rolling with the punches as they come and they know a combination of hard work, commitment to fans, and an audacious spirit of determination are required to keep  focused and blaze through any roadblocks that may arise on the slow and steady road to success.  “Highway Robbery” exemplifies that steadfast quality, which has won the band the support of a dedicated national fanbase of music lovers who show up to their performances in droves, as well as the respect of their musical peers and veterans in the music industry.

ANDAZ 20th Anniversary! 
Portland's Original Bhangra, Bollywood & Desi Bass Dance Party
Featuring resident DJs
Anjali & The Incredible Kid
and dholi Adam McCollom (SEA)
Doors: 8:00pm  //  Show: 9:00pm  //  Ages 21+.

DJ ANJALI AND THE INCREDIBLE KID
https://anjaliandthekid.com
DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid have spent more than 20 years igniting dance floors with cutting edge music not limited by borders or language. They host the longest-running Bhangra and Bollywood party in the world (Andaz est. 2002), co-founded the Pacific Northwest’s first Global Bass dance party (Atlas 2003-2013) hosted Chor Bazaar on XRAY.FM for seven years and have continued to host Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Kush on KBOO.FM since 2006. In 2013 Anjali and The Kid initiated TROPITAAL! A Desi Latino Soundclash, which they host monthly at The Goodfoot. Few DJs can be said to have changed the sound of their city but that is exactly what DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid have accomplished since they first introduced Portland, Oregon nightclub audiences to the many varied sounds of Global Bass at a raucous New Year’s Eve debut in 2000. They are most known for incinerating dance floors with the heavy dance floor artillery of South Asia, but the duo scour the globe for any hard-hitting music that combines local music traditions with window-rattling production.
In addition to hosting their own club nights, Anjali and The Kid regularly perform at festivals. They have appeared at Sasquatch! Music Festival, Decibel, What The Festival?!, MusicfestNW, Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration, Beloved, Matatu (Oakland), Photosynthesis, Soul’d Out, Portland International Film Festival, Indian Summer Festival (Vancouver, B.C.), Kaleidoscope and Vancouver Queer Film Festival to name a few. They have guested at the legendary Basement Bhangra (NYC) numerous times as well as Non Stop Bhangra (SF), iBomba (NYC) and Bhangrateque (Chicago.)

ADAM MCCOLLOM :  adammccollom.com
Seattle based musician Adam McCollom started playing the dhol while living in India in 2003. He is the resident dholi at ANDAZ, hitting the road with Anjali & The Kid to play festivals, concerts-in-the-park & shaadis. His list of former bands is impressive: Degenerate Art Ensemble (guitar/composer), The Vells (bass), The Pica Beats (keyboards/ piano), Breaks & Swells (bass), Brent Arnold and The Spheres (keyboards/piano), Ghosts I've met (bass), Ota Prota (guitar/composer), Motherland Ensemble (oud). Since his graduation from Cornish (BFA in Music) where studied Jazz with Julian Priester (of Sun Ra Arkestra) and Hadley Caliman, he has studied Khayal (North Indian classical singing) with Pandit Devashish Dey in Varanasi for a full year as well as the Egyptian Oud & the Arabic Maqam system with Egyptian ethnomusicologist Maurice Roman. 

To be followed by Hive Goth dance party...

Doors: 8:00pm  //  Show: 9:00pm  //  Ages 21+.

Devin The Dude: After forming the Odd Squad (later known as the Coughee Brothaz), the group signed to Rap-A-Lot Records. The label is notable for being the home of hip-hop artists such as Geto Boys, Scarface, and Too Much Trouble. Copeland moved on to become part of Scarface's Facemob before going solo in 1998. Copeland has released ten solo albums: The Dude (1998), Just Tryin' ta Live (2002), To tha X-Treme (2004), Waitin' to Inhale (2007), Landing Gear (2008), Suite 420 (2010), Gotta Be Me (2010), One for the Road (2013), Acoustic Levitation (2017) and Still Rollin' Up: Somethin' To Ride With (2019). He also made a number of guest appearances, including on Dr. Dre's "Fuck You" in 1999, De La Soul's "Baby Phat" in 2001, Slim Thug's "I'm Back" off of Boss of All Bosses in 2009, Gucci Mane's "Kush Is My Cologne" of off The State vs Radric Davis in 2009 alongside Bun B & E-40, Tech N9ne's "After Party" in 2010 off of The Gates Mixed Plate, and Young Jeezy's "Higher Learning" off of the late 2011 album Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition.

In 2008, he ended his 15-year relationship with Houston-based Rap-A-Lot Records after he decided not to renew his contract. Later that year, he signed with indie label Razor & Tie.   Devin is currently being distributed by E1 Entertainment, formerly Koch. In 2013 Devin starred in the stoner comedy Highway 420, in which two pot smoking buddies go on a quest to find the best bud in the country on the legendary Highway 420. The soundtrack featured songs by 2 Chainz, UGK, Smoke DZA, Tha Dogg Pound, Slim Thug, Curren$y, David Banner, Asher Roth and more. On June 24, 2013 Devin announced that his eighth studio album would be titled One for the Road and be released in September 2013. It would later be confirmed for an October 8, 2013 release. 

The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow." In addition, he has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper".   

Don't miss this show!

https://www.dobetgnahore.com/en#home 

While Africa has blessed the world with many recognized female artists, Dobet Gnahoré has proven herself to be a truly special talent. Hailing from Côte d’Ivoire, Dobet is a virtuosic singer, dancer, percussionist, and songwriter who has taken the modern Afropop sounds of her country in exciting new directions. 

A 2010 GRAMMY winner, Dobet Gnahoré is well-known for her jaw-dropping dance moves, powerful stage presence and richly emotional vocal style. With her sixth album Couleur, released on the Cumbancha label in 2021, Gnahoré breaks with her past acoustic styles to create a fiery album filled with danceable grooves, electronic beats, nimble electric guitar lines and catchy melodic hooks. 

With her latest album, Dobet explores the concept of freedom: The freedom to blend the urban energy of modern Africa with its vibrant ancestral rhythms; The freedom to sing in multiple languages, from the diverse indigenous languages of her native land as well as in French and English, to better convey her optimistic message and reach broader audiences; The freedom to pay tribute to the women of today and tomorrow, to use her words and image to empower a new generation of daring, strong and independent African women.

HYPER VIOLENT WEST COAST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2022

with.....Luna 13, Clockwork Echo, Biocarbon13

CHURCH OF HIVE to follow.....

Star Theater Presents: 
MESSER CHUPS w/ Boss Martian
Doors: 8:00pm  //  Show: 9:00pm  //  Ages 21+. 

While Messer Chups’ mostly instrumental sound is hard to neatly categorize, it’s safe to say that it would be embraced by fans of rockabilly, horror punk, vintage surf records, Italian slasher films, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, Pulp Fiction, lounge music, the theremin, The Cramps, and the theme song from The Munsters. Their catchy music combines surf, vintage Russian melodies, rare film samples from the 50s and 60s, scratchy historical recordings, and lounge loops. Live, they explode with garage-punk intensity, all played against a video-collage backdrop of mid-century trashy cult and horror movie clips featuring Russ Meyer and Ed Wood, and superstars like Vampira and Bela Lugosi in a zombie mash-up.
https://www.facebook.com/messerchups/ 

Born in 1980 in the nomadic Tuareg encampment Tidene, just outside Agadez, Niger, Bombino (born Goumour Almoctar, also known as Oumara Moctar) came of age during much political upheaval, fleeing with his family to Algeria by 1990, teaching himself guitar by watching videos of his heroes Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits, Ali Farka Toure and Tinariwen, and returning to northern Niger's largest city, Agadez, seven years later, when he took on music professionally. After years of honing his skills back home and spending time as a shepherd in Libya, he first left Africa and traveled to California in 2006 as lead soloist on tour with Tidawt. There he recorded a desert blues take on the Rolling Stones classic "Hey Negrita'' alongside Keith Richards and Charlie Watts. The following year, filmmaker Hisham Mayet captured Bombino and his electric band for the recording Music from Niger: Guitars from Agadez, Vol. 2, released in 2009 on Sublime Frequencies, Bombino's first official album release. 

As the political landscape heated up in Niger again in 2007 and two of his friends and bandmates were accused of being 'Tuareg rebels' and presumed killed by the government, Bombino fled to Burkina Faso, where in 2009 he was tracked down by another filmmaker, Ron Wyman. Ron wanted to help the artist make a proper record. Released in 2011, that record, Agadez, showcased Bombino's captivating vocals, his hypnotic, awe-inspiring guitar playing and evocative rhythms, cited as one of NPR's best discoveries of the year. For his second album, 2013's Nomad, Bombino traveled to Nashville to record with the Black Keys’s Dan Auerbach. The result was a marvelous set, full of grit and funky elegance that firmly established Bombino as a star on the world stage and one of the world's best guitarists. Bombino went to upstate New York to record his third album, Azel, with his band and producer David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors. It was on Azel that Bombino introduced a new genre he dubs 'Tuareggae' - a blend of Tuareg guitar with reggae rhythm - to the world.

His next studio album, Deran, was recorded in Casablanca, Morocco in fall 2017 with just his band and his long-time manager, Eric Herman (who produced the album). The album received rave reviews from across the globe including a full page feature in the New York Times which dubbed Bombino 'The Sultan of Shred.' On December 7, 2018, Deran was nominated for a Grammy award (Best World Music Album), the first-ever Grammy nomination for an artist from Niger. Thousands of proud Nigeriens attended a parade to welcome Bombino home from the Grammy Awards upon his return to Niamey. 

His latest album, 'Live In Amsterdam' was recorded at a performance in November 2019 and released in November 2020 (Partisan Records). Bombino dedicated the album to his dear friend and bandmate Illias Mohamed who tragically passed away just a few weeks before the release of the album. The concert in Amsterdam from which the album was made was one of Illias' final performances. Regardless of the challenges life throws at him, Bombino marches ever forward on his mission to use music to spread love, understanding, and the beauty of Tuareg culture throughout the world.

Doors: 7:00pm  //  Show: 7:30pm  //  Ages 21+.

Five years of Global Based has led up to this! We're happy to announce: Perro Fest The largest perreo + rave experience in the NW, we present Perreo Fest! A classic GB massive at the historic Star Theater, 5+ years have led up to this. 

Voted best Latin Dance Night via Willamette Week
Sounds by:
MS NINA (LIVE)
HAPPY COLORS

Support:  Vatos Locals + special guests.
   Noche libre DJs  w/ Buena Suerte, DJ Tati, Lapaushi.
 

Doors: 8:00pm  //  Show: 9:00pm  //  Ages 21+. 
Homeboy Sandman, Deca, Felix Fast4ward + Lisa Vazquez
 

 

The Aristocrats return to the Star Theater!
Doors: 8:00pm  //  Show: 9:00pm  //  Ages 21+.

Over the past eight years The Aristocrats – guitarist Guthrie Govan (Steven Wilson, Asia/GPS, Hans Zimmer), bassist Bryan Beller(Joe Satriani, Dethklok), and drummer Marco Minnemann (Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani, Steve Hackett) – have released critically acclaimed albums, toured the world, and established themselves as one of the most musically original, refreshingly irreverent, and astoundingly entertaining instrumental rock-fusion acts on the planet. Anyone who’s witnessed their live musical high-wire act – employing random amounts of rock, jazz, pop, metal, and even traditional country – can attest that it is informed by the spirit of a true band, one whose improvisational soul allows for anything to happen onstage at any moment…including the occasional wink and nod at the audience. Perhaps Guthrie Govan said it best when he called The Aristocrats “a rowdy democracy of musicianship.”

Despite their individual followings, The Aristocrats’ formation was a matter of happenstance on a barely-paying gig. The electricity was immediately obvious, with their unbeknownst-to-them shared influences infusing a high-energy instrumental fusion with an aggressive, playful, even cheeky edge. The audience response was overwhelming, and the band formed practically by demand on the spot. Three months later, the trio convened in person – eschewing the usual remote file sharing method in favor of actual live band chemistry – to track the album. Consisting of nine tracks (three contributions from each member), the material was a melting pot of their respective influences, ranging from the seminal ’70s jazz-rock fusion of Return To Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra, to the progressive rock of King Crimson and UK, to guitar heroes like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, to the absurdly complex and satirical music of Frank Zappa and Mike Keneally, and even to ’90s groove metal like Rage Against The Machine.

Church of Hive goth dance party to follow...

Hailing from New Zealand, KATCHAFIRE have crafted a universal vibe with their sound built on foundations of classic roots reggae, R’n’B, funk and modern dancehall fused with slinky pop, cool grooves and uplifting vibes. With six successful albums, multiple awards, platinum sales,hit singles, and a massive fan base selling out shows around the world, 2022 sees KATCHAFIRE celebrating 25years of existence.The all-Maori band bring their pure classic sound to music lovers worldwide delivering one of the most authentic Reggae shows around today with popularity and critical acclaim seeing them on line-ups with just about every reggae artist worldwide

LA-based recording artist, musician and designer, Duckwrth, born Jared Lee, has quickly risen up the ranks as a promising star in the future of music. Known for his genre-bending sound and feel good music, Duckwrth has amassed over 400 million cumulative streams across his catalog and a cult following across the globe. His collection of critically acclaimed projects including his latest album titled “SuperGood” (2020), has transcended streaming platforms, received praise by countless press and brands alike and has been featured in placements across film, television and brand campaigns, globally.  His apparent hard work and unique style and aesthetic has led the rapper to becoming a beacon for individual expression and an international touring staple, with sold out headline shows across the world, breakout festival appearances and a recent stint with global pop star Billie Eilish on her "Happier than Ever" tour. Duckwrth's live show is a must see for anyone looking to have a super good night. 

Though still in the early stages of her blossoming career, 24-year-old vocalist, violinist and songwriter, Emmaline, has accomplished an impressive laundry list of achievements so far. From being featured in top music publications such as Rolling Stone and American Songwriter to performing as the opening act for 10-time-GRAMMY winner Chaka Khan on her first ever US tour, this Cincinnati based, independent artist captivates the hearts of all who hear her smoky,
jazz-infused, genre-fluid voice.

Using the power of social media, Emmaline kick started her career in 2018 by sharing acoustic covers of popular songs and original material to her social media platforms (@emmalineofficial) where she now boasts nearly 500k followers. Emmaline shines on stage whether it be online or in person, and has performed countless sold-out shows at some of the country’s most notable jazz clubs, music venues and festivals. Her independently released EPs, “All My Sweetest Dreams” and “Necessity” have organically generated well over 1 million streams on Spotify alone and have listeners on the edge of their seats awaiting a debut album drop.

Members Only returns to the Star Theater! 
With special guests Free Air.
Advance tickets recommended, this show will sell out. 
Doors: 7:00pm  //  Show: 8:00pm  //  Ages 21+ welcome.  

To celebrate the release of their highly anticipated fourth album ‘Love Signs’, The Jungle Giants are proud to unveil their biggest tour to date.

Firmly established as Australian indie-rock royalty, The Jungle Giants have amassed more than 325 million streams, placed 7 consecutive songs in Triple J Hottest 100 countdowns, released 4 ARIA-certified Platinum singles and sold out shows around the world. With the upcoming release of their highly-anticipated fourth album, Love Signs (on July 23rd, via Amplifire Music / The Orchard), the four-piece are channeling hope, love and a dance-pop sensibility into their most irresistible and genre-defying work yet.

DOORS: 8:00pm  //  SHOW: 9:00pm  //  AGES 21+.

Red velvet curtains draw back to reveal a cosmic wheel of fortune, floating in the deep black star-studded theater of infinite space. A whirl of timbres, personalities, and stories. The Turning Wheel, the third full-length by the Bay Area artist SPELLLING (Chrystia Cabral), revolves around themes of human unity, the future, divine love and the enigmatic ups and downs of being a part of this carnival called life.

Venturing to push the boundaries of her primarily synth-based work, SPELLLING took on the ambitious task of orchestrating and self-producing an album that features an ensemble of 31 collaborating musicians. The Turning Wheel incorporates a vast range of rich acoustic sounds that cast SPELLLING’s work into vibrant new dimensions. The double LP is split into two halves — “Above” and “Below.” Lush string quartet shimmer combines with haunting banjo and wandering bassoon leads, as the album progresses from the more jubilant, warm, and dreamy mood of the “Above” tracks to the more chilling and gothic tone of the “Below” tracks. This progression is anchored by SPELLLING’s familiar bewitching vocal style that emphasizes the theatrical and folkloric heart of her songwriting.

The release of The Turning Wheel was delayed by almost a year from its intended release date in September 2020 but the forced pause ended up serving as a blessing in disguise. Navigating the chaos of recording and producing the remaining instrumentalists – either remotely or through rigid socially distanced studio sessions – was immensely difficult, however the delays ultimately opened up the opportunity for SPELLLING to dedicate more attention to her lyrics. The Turning Wheel demonstrates a distinct evolution of lyrical style, from the more incantatory and abbreviated approach of her previous work to a more expansive, narrative production.

The Turning Wheel is a manifestation of this considerable effort, time, and collaborative energy and will surely become a classic for its elegance. And while the artist’s eclectic influences, from soul to psych to pop to noise, remain present, something entirely new has also been born in the cosmic soup of this massive undertaking: a grand and genreless adventure. One that allows the artist’s authenticity to shine and also marks her as a conduit for something with a magic of its own.

 

Adam Greene of the Moldy Peaches @ Star Theater. 
Doors: 8:00pm  //  Show: 9:00pm  //  Ages 21+.

Recorded at several studios (Portico, Chase Park, Rialto Row, Dialback Sound), the LP is a snarling devil-may-care batch of 12 tunes. It encompasses a seamless blend of hard rock, psychedelic alt-country and folk stylings — something signature to the unique sound, tone and attitude of the Futurebirds.

“We recorded this album all over the place,” says guitarist/singer Thomas Johnson. “In a lot of ways it kept us from bogging down, at times it was probably inefficient, but ultimately everyone of the songs captures the vibe(s) of the spaces and cities we occupied while we made it.

‘I’m Killin You’ really captures the vibe of the whole record for me. The main theme I had in my head while writing it though, was getting past the negative shit that can live on the periphery (or in the forefront) of life. Killing the bad side of human nature. Being self-aware, and being honest with yourself and trying to find peace with the person you’ve become or are becoming (or always were).”

“We’ve been putting one foot in front of the other for a decade now. Every tour, we get smarter about how we operate, how we craft a live show, how we utilize everyone’s individual talents,” guitarist/singer Carter King adds. “Every day, we become better songwriters, more comfortable as artists and producers, better business people — it’s all about teamwork.”

Now on the backside of a decade of road warrior hard-knocks and well-earned accolades, the Athens, GA rock sextet has been hitting its full stride as of late. It’s a sense of time and place where what’s most important remains at the forefront of the group’s philosophy and deeply-held personal mission — a group of friends making sonically innovative music.

“We have one of the oddest and most talented mix of people to make up a band that I’ve ever seen. Everyone is extremely talented in an assortment of different ways, hilarious, tough, creative, scrappy,” King says. “Stylistically, everyone brings something different to the band, and we’re getting better at simultaneously nurturing those differences, melding them together into one unified thing.”

With a touring schedule resembling some haphazard spider web spun across America, the Futurebirds are unrelenting in their quest to bring the melodic party to your hometown, no matter how far away the destination or how small the stage may be.

“And we’ve learned a lot about life along the way,” guitarist/singer Daniel Womack reflects. “Watching other bands rise and fall, watching the sunrise and the sunset, cried because it hurt, cried because it felt good, watching strangers turn into friends and some into family.”

“In a lot of ways the live show is the last frontier, the last thing left in the music industry that can’t be digitized and given away for free,” Johnson adds. “It’s the thing that keeps us coming back. The act of making something awesome and unique with six individuals, creating a sound-weave, connecting to the core of human existence, that’s the teamwork.”

Clan of Xymox @ Star Theater.
Doors: 8:00pm  //  Show: 8:30pm  //  Ages 21+.